ECTOR COUNTY, Texas — The Ector County Library hosted a special literacy presentation Monday, made possible by a $2,500 grant from the TEGNA Foundation. Awarded earlier this year, the grant has helped the library make a lasting impact in the community.
The Ector County Library is on a mission to promote lifelong learning and education for everyone in the community. Director of Library Services, Howard Marks explained that the library is using the funds to, "bring in Spanish authors from different places. It helped cover travel costs for Dr. Akrabova and made these free community events possible."
Dr. Maria Akrabova, a Spanish professor originally from Bulgaria, shared her passion for reading in a presentation titled 'Growing Up With Libraries and Literacy.'
"I grew up in an environment where we were readers," Akrabova said. "This was the 1970s and 1980s—an analog world—so we were exposed to authors from Sweden, Italy, and Finland. I wanted to share that experience with people who visit libraries to find books that inspire them."
With the support of the TEGNA grant, the library is giving residents of West Texas access to cultural and literary experiences from around the world.
"I know from talking to Dr. Maria that minds like hers are rare," Marks said. "Events like this will truly have a positive impact on our community.”
The library has more events planned for the spring of 2025, continuing its mission to inspire lifelong learning.